AFRICAN BEACH GAMES: FG TASKS ATHLETES ON EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE

By Lateef Taiwo

The Federal Government has called on athletes participating in the 2nd African Beach Games holding in Temament, Tunisia to ensure excellent performance at the competitions so as to enable Nigeria qualify for the upcoming ANOC World Beach Games in Bali, Indonesia

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar who made the call today in Abuja stated that Nigeria is expected to participate in 10 thrilling events at the Games which will run from June 22 to June 30, 2023 as a crucial qualification phase for the upcoming ANOC World Beach Games in Bali, Indonesia, scheduled for August 4 to August 12, 2023.

According to him, “not less than 10 events would be on offer, where athletes will showcase their talents and the athleticism of Nigerian athletes on the beautiful beaches of Tunisia.

The events he added “cover a wide range of sports, ensuring a diverse and exciting competition for both participants and spectators alike.”

He stated further that, on the list is the high-energy sport of Beach Volleyball, where Nigeria will be represented by a skilled team of 12 players. Following closely also, is the Beach Handball, with a talented squad of 10 players ready to showcase their exceptional skills on the sand.

In addition to these, the Permanent Secretary said, Nigeria will also compete in individual events. Air Badminton will see three players from Nigeria demonstrating their agility, quick reflexes, and finesse.

Alhaji Ismaila explained that in Kata Karate, a solitary athlete will represent the country where he is sure to display the mastery of traditional martial arts at the games.

While acknowledging the exhilarating challenge the open water may likely pose for Nigerian athletes participating in Open Water Swimming, he expressed optimism that the four determined swimmers who will represent the country are all out to conquer the demanding nature of the sport.

The Permanent Secretary informed that Nigeria will also participate in Teqball, a relatively new sport that combines elements of soccer and table tennis. “Nigeria will field a competitive team of three players, who will battle it out against the other nations in this unique and exciting sport,” he said.

He added that Team Nigeria will also participate in Tennis, Ocean Racing, Rowing Beach and Beach Wrestling.

Alhaji Abubakar therefore called on Nigerian athletes to ensure they make the country proud, assuring that the Ministry will continue to create an enabling environment for the development of sports in the country, in line with the policy thrust of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu – led administration.

Meanwhile, the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Gumel, who is the leader of the Nigerian Contingent for the 2nd African Beach Games,
stated that the event is organised by The Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA).

He assured that Nigeria is all out for excellent performance at the Games.